Based on reporting by Glasgow Live, 25 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.
What was reported
According to Glasgow Live, emergency services were called to Dalmarnock Road, near Bridgeton Station in Glasgow, at around 6.10pm on Thursday 24 September 2026. A boy aged 11 had been struck by a car while riding an electric scooter. Thankfully, as reported by Glasgow Live, no serious injuries were recorded.
Police Scotland confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that enquiries are ongoing and that the e-scooter was seized following the collision. No further details about the circumstances of the crash have been released at this stage.
Road traffic accident claims in Scotland
Incidents involving e-scooters and motor vehicles raise several distinct legal questions under Scots law, particularly around the status of the scooter itself. In Scotland, privately owned e-scooters are not legal to ride on public roads or pavements. Only scooters used within government-approved rental trial schemes are permitted in public spaces. Where a scooter is found to have been ridden unlawfully on a public road, this can affect the legal position of those involved, though it does not automatically extinguish any right to claim compensation, especially where a child is concerned.
In incidents of this kind, liability often rests with the driver of the motor vehicle if their standard of driving fell below that expected of a reasonable, competent driver. However, contributory negligence can also be a factor, where the behaviour of the injured party is found to have contributed to the incident. Courts in Scotland apply a proportionate reduction to any award where contributory negligence is established.
Where the injured person is a child, the courts apply particular care. Children are not held to the same standard of awareness and road sense as adults, and this is taken into account when assessing whether, and to what degree, contributory negligence applies. Claims on behalf of children under 16 must be brought by a parent or guardian acting as legal representative.
Motor vehicles in Scotland must be covered by valid third-party insurance. Where a driver is insured, a claim is typically brought against the driver's insurer. If the vehicle is uninsured or untraceable, the Motor Insurers' Bureau may meet a valid claim.
Time limits
Under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, injured adults generally have three years from the date of an accident, or from the date they became aware of their injury, to raise a court action. Missing this deadline will ordinarily bar a claim entirely.
However, where the injured person is a child, the three-year clock does not begin to run until they reach the age of 16. This means a child injured in an incident of this kind would typically have until their 19th birthday to raise a court action in their own name. A parent or guardian may also bring a claim on the child's behalf before that point.
Even where time limits allow for delay, it is always advisable to begin gathering evidence and seeking advice as early as possible. Witness recollections fade, and physical evidence such as CCTV footage may be lost if not preserved promptly.
What compensation can cover
A successful personal injury claim in Scotland can cover a range of losses and impacts, including:
- Solatium - compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury itself, including any psychological impact
- Loss of earnings - where a parent or guardian has had to take unpaid time off work to care for an injured child, or where the injured person is older and has lost income
- Care and assistance - the reasonable cost of help provided by family members or paid carers during recovery
- Medical treatment - physiotherapy, psychological support, medication and any other necessary treatment not provided by the NHS, or provided privately to reduce waiting times
- Travel expenses - costs incurred attending medical appointments or hospital visits
- Future losses - where an injury has lasting consequences, compensation can account for ongoing needs and reduced future earning capacity
It is worth noting that clients who pursue a claim through Scotland Claims keep 100% of their compensation, with a 0% success fee deducted. Many Scottish firms take up to 20% of a claimant's award as a success fee, which can represent a significant sum, particularly in claims involving children where awards may be paid into court and held until the child reaches adulthood.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child injured in a road accident claim compensation in Scotland?
Yes. A parent or guardian can bring a claim on behalf of a child. The three-year limitation period under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 does not start running until the child turns 16, giving them until age 19 to raise an action in their own name. Acting sooner preserves evidence and strengthens any claim.
Does it matter that the e-scooter was not legally permitted on the road?
It can be a relevant factor. Riding a privately owned e-scooter on a public road is not permitted in Scotland, and this may be raised as contributory negligence. However, courts treat child claimants differently from adults, and unlawful use of a scooter does not automatically prevent a claim from succeeding. Each case is assessed on its own facts.
What if the car driver was insured? Who pays the compensation?
In Scotland, all motor vehicles must carry at least third-party insurance. Where a valid policy exists, any compensation award is typically paid by the driver's insurer rather than by the individual. If the vehicle was uninsured or the driver fled the scene, the Motor Insurers' Bureau can be approached to meet a valid claim.
What evidence should be gathered after a road traffic collision involving a child?
Useful evidence includes photographs of the scene and any injuries, contact details of witnesses, a copy of the police incident reference number, CCTV or dashcam footage if available, and medical records documenting treatment. Acting quickly matters because CCTV footage is often overwritten within days and witness memories can fade.
How is compensation calculated for a child injured in a road accident?
Compensation is calculated by reference to established judicial guidelines covering solatium for the injury itself, plus any financial losses such as care costs or parental lost earnings. Where injuries have long-term consequences, future losses are also assessed. Awards for children are typically paid into court and held until they turn 16.
Based on reporting by Glasgow Live, 25 September 2026. All rights in the original report remain with the publisher.